Howrah Station is one of the busiest railway hubs in Eastern India, located on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Kolkata Airport, also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, lies about 17 kilometers northeast of Howrah Station. Many travelers use this route to connect between long-distance trains and flights.

This guide explains the main transport options from Howrah Station to Kolkata Airport. You will learn about trains, buses, taxis, and rideshare services, along with practical travel tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Howrah Station to Kolkata Airport – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a popular option for those who want to avoid road traffic and travel economically. However, there is no direct train from Howrah Station to the airport, so you will need to combine train and other transport modes.

• You can take a local train from Howrah Station to Dum Dum Junction, which is about 15 km away and takes around 40-50 minutes. Trains run frequently from early morning till late night with fares between ₹10-₹20.

• From Dum Dum Junction, you can take a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride to Kolkata Airport, which is about 3 km and takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

• Local trains can be crowded during peak hours (8-11 AM and 5-8 PM), so plan accordingly to avoid discomfort and delays.

• Train tickets can be purchased at the station counters or via the Indian Railways app. Keep your belongings secure due to busy crowds.

Bus

Buses offer a low-cost way to travel but can be slower due to traffic. Several buses connect Howrah Station to the airport area with varying comfort levels.

• MSRTC and private buses run from Howrah Station bus terminals towards Dum Dum and Salt Lake, passing near the airport. The journey can take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

• Bus fares range from ₹20 to ₹50, making it an economical choice for budget travelers.

• Buses can get very crowded during festivals or monsoon season, so avoid traveling during these times if possible.

• There are no direct airport shuttle buses from Howrah, so you may need to walk or take an auto-rickshaw for the last kilometer.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving or hiring a car is the most convenient and comfortable option, especially if you have luggage or travel in a group. The route is well connected via major roads and highways.

• The fastest route is via Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) and VIP Road, covering around 17 km in 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Car rental services and app-based taxis like Ola and Uber are readily available at Howrah Station. Fares typically range from ₹400 to ₹700.

• Be aware of toll plazas on Vidyasagar Setu and VIP Road; toll charges are usually included in app-based taxi fares.

• Traffic congestion is common during office hours and weekends, so plan your departure time accordingly to avoid delays.

• Self-drive options require familiarity with Kolkata traffic rules and parking facilities at the airport.

Rideshare / Taxi

Rideshare apps and prepaid taxis provide a hassle-free door-to-door service from Howrah Station to Kolkata Airport. They are popular among tourists and business travelers.

• You can book Ola or Uber cabs directly from Howrah Station using mobile apps. The ride takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs between ₹350 and ₹600.

• Prepaid taxi counters are available at Howrah Station; these offer fixed fares and regulated services, which can be safer for first-time travelers.

• Rideshare drivers often help with luggage and can drop you directly at the airport terminal entrance.

• During peak hours or festivals, surge pricing may apply, increasing the fare by 20-50%.

• Always confirm the fare estimate before booking and keep your phone charged for navigation and communication.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is for first-time travelers moving from Howrah Station to Kolkata Airport smoothly and confidently.

• Step 1: Arrive at Howrah Station and locate the taxi stand or rideshare pickup point. This ensures you start your journey without confusion or delays.

• Step 2: Book a prepaid taxi or use Ola/Uber app to arrange your ride. Booking in advance can save time and avoid bargaining hassles.

• Step 3: If you prefer train travel, buy a local train ticket to Dum Dum Junction from the station counters or IRCTC app. This helps you avoid last-minute rush and ensures seat availability.

• Step 4: Upon reaching Dum Dum, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the airport. Confirm the fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Step 5: Keep your luggage secure and carry a bottle of water, especially during summer or monsoon seasons when delays are common.

• Step 6: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight for domestic travel and 3 hours for international flights to allow for check-in and security procedures.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to avoid scams or overcharging common in Kolkata’s busy transport hubs.

• Carry bottled water and light snacks, as food options on local trains and buses can be limited and unhygienic.

• Book train tickets or taxi rides in advance during festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali to avoid last-minute unavailability and price hikes.

• Use local transport apps or Google Maps to check real-time traffic and train schedules for better planning.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as crowded trains and buses increase the risk of theft or loss.

• During monsoon, expect delays due to waterlogging on roads and slippery platforms; leave extra time for travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel between Howrah Station and Kolkata Airport is during the early morning or late evening when traffic is lighter. Avoid peak office hours and major festivals for a smoother journey.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and occasional flooding, which can cause delays on roads and trains. Winter mornings may have fog, affecting visibility and train timings.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and Christmas holidays when transport is overcrowded and fares surge.

• Summer afternoons can be hot and humid, making open transport like buses uncomfortable.

• Early morning (6-8 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) departures help avoid heavy traffic on Vidyasagar Setu and VIP Road.

• Check weather forecasts and local news for any transport disruptions before starting your journey.

Arrival at Kolkata Airport & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kolkata Airport, you will find clear signage and multiple exits depending on your airline and terminal. The airport is well connected with prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab stands just outside the arrivals area.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola/Uber cabs, and airport shuttles to nearby hotels and city centers like Salt Lake and Park Street. Popular areas to stay near the airport include Dum Dum and New Town, which are easily accessible.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kolkata Airport from Howrah Station is by booking a prepaid taxi or using rideshare apps like Ola and Uber. This offers comfort, direct service, and reasonable fares without the hassle of multiple transfers.

Planning your journey with attention to traffic conditions, booking tickets in advance, and choosing the right time to travel will help you avoid delays and stress. With these tips, you can confidently navigate this busy route and reach the airport on time for your flight.